Q: I know that other people have had problems applying for Social Security disability. I am about to apply. How do I know when to hire a lawyer?

A:

You may not need to hire a lawyer.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) was originally designed to have a simple application process. When the disability component was added to Social Security’s old age and survivors’ benefit programs in 1954, the idea was that some workers might find themselves forced into early retirement. Rather than let these workers (and their dependents) suffer in poverty, SSDI would give them a modest income until regular Social Security kicked it at the normal retirement age.

The rules got tougher. Over the years, politicians made the application process harder because they thought voters would blame them for giving out money to people who weren’t working. It’s now estimated that over two-thirds of all new SSDI applications are rejected.

Still, it’s entirely possible for you to apply successfully for federal disability benefits without contacting a Social Security Disability lawyer. You just fill out the required forms online or at your local Social Security office, submit any requested documentation, and wait four or five months until you’re notified whether your request is approved.

But let’s talk frankly here. Sure, you can apply all by yourself. It’s also possible that you can fill out your annual tax return by yourself every spring, rather than go to a tax preparation specialist—but most people panic at the idea. Applying for Social Security disability benefits is just about as difficult as filling in long-form taxes, but the stakes are much higher: after all, this is your income and financial future at risk. You can’t afford to get it wrong.

If you’re absolutely confident you can handle this on your own, that’s great. Most people feel relief when they can call on someone with experience to help them navigate the application process.

Many of our clients decide to hire a Pennsylvania Social Security attorney after their initial application is rejected. You have the right to appeal an unfavorable decision about your application. In fact, there are multiple levels of appeals available, and each of these has the power to reverse previous decisions denying you benefits. Unfortunately, at each step of the appeals process, it becomes harder to win. Few appeals succeed without an attorney’s help, so even though you have the legal right to handle your own appeal if you choose, it’s probably best to contact an SSDI lawyer in Harrisburg as early as possible.

At Schmidt Kramer, our experienced Harrisburg disability attorneys strive to secure full and fair benefits that our clients deserve. We’re here to help you, whether you need a legal advocate or just need a few questions answered.

Call us at 717-888-8888 or 888-476-0807 toll-free to sign up to receive our FREE newsletter or to schedule a confidential consultation about your disability case.

Recent Results click below to expand

Gerry Kramer won a personal injury action for $10,043,952.13 in Northumberland County on behalf of a volunteer firefighter who was the victim of Intentional Tort. The 50-year-old volunteer firefighter was seriously injured when a barn collapsed, causing a spinal injury which left him a paraplegic. The claim was brought against the arsonist who intentionally started the fire. It is believed that the verdict is the highest ever in Northumberland County.

A couple from New Berlin, Pennsylvania was awarded over $4,000,000 because the husband was shot while turkey hunting. The 51 year old client lost his sight because a convicted felon - who should not have even possessed a gun - went hunting illegally, and broke with impunity the most fundamental rule in hunting: identify your target before you pull the trigger.

Scott Cooper obtained a verdict on behalf of his client who is the widow of a man who died in a crash on Interstate 78 in Lebanon County. The awarded verdict of $2.2 million was in a nonjury proceeding before a federal judge in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. That verdict includes $100,000 in punitive damages assessed against the owner of the trucking company.

Scott Cooper settled a wrongful death case on behalf of the widow of a police office who was killed in a car accident in the line of duty for $1,024,040.80. The claim against the other driver was amicably resolved before suit was filed for the entire available policy limits for the other driver. The case took place in Adams County, PA.

Gerry Kramer won a $950,000.00 suit in Perry County for a motor vehicle accident. The personal injury action for a wrongful death was filed on behalf of a 19-year-old female killed in the accident. The victim was a passenger in a vehicle that left the roadway striking a fixed object.

Scott Cooper settled a wrongful death claim for $742,000 on behalf of a the estate of a trash worker killed in a car accident in Franklin County. The case was amicably resolved for all of the available insurance policy coverage for the other driver and under insured motorist carrier. Also, Mr. Cooper was able to amicably resolved all subrogation interests with the worker's compensation carrier for a lump sum and agreement for the subrogation claim to be waived in full.

Gerry Kramer won a $215,000.00 personal injury action on behalf of a drunk driving victim in York County. The victim was a 56-year-old man who was struck by drunk driver in Lancaster County, PA. He suffered a subdural hematoma which resulted in severe headaches.